Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran is preparing for a large-scale military attack. This report was shared by reporter Barak Ravid from the media outlet
on his X handle, where he also detailed the entire story.
In a statement, the Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed that they discussed this with the US Defense Secretary. Gallant and Austin also talked about operational and strategic coordination to deliver a robust response to Iran. Austin mentioned that the United States has directed the deployment of guided missile submarines in the Middle East, while Gallant assured that the Israeli military is ready to respond to any attacks from Iran.
Read also: Israel's Air Defense vs Iran's Missiles – Which One is Superior?
Source: aajtak
Earlier on Friday, August 9th, local news agencies cited the Deputy Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards stating that under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's orders, the Iranian army is prepared for an attack. This follows the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniya on July 31st.
What did Barak Ravid write in his report? Read on...
According to Israeli intelligence, Iran is expected to attack within days. Israeli intelligence reports suggest the attack could occur after ongoing negotiations for a hostage swap and ceasefire deal in Gaza. There was a high alert for an attack on August 8th, aiming to disrupt the Israeli deal.
This deal with Hamas is critical, but sources indicate that the situation remains unstable. Intelligence gathered in the last 24 hours suggests that Iran had not decided the exact day for the attack due to international pressure.
Read also: Flights Cancelled, Warship Deployed – Is the Middle East on the Brink of War?
Iran promised a timely response, unaffected by the ceasefire
Supreme Leader Khamenei had been delaying the attack or moderating its intensity against Israel. However, on Friday, Iran announced at the United Nations that their response would be timely and would not impact the ceasefire. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant discussed with the US Defense Secretary how Iran is planning a potentially large-scale attack.
Source: aajtak
Subsequently, Austin directed the deployment of the guided missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East, alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier Strike Group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group in the region. The Roosevelt Strike Group will return to the US.
The US government, led by President Joe Biden, has been making efforts over the past week to ensure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to facilitate the release and safe relocation of hostages. However, on Sunday, August 11th, Hamas rejected the ceasefire proposal by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
Read also: Iran to Exchange S-400 for Fath 360 Ballistic Missiles with Russia – Know Its Power
Source: aajtak
Who will strike first? Possibly Hezbollah
Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence suggests that Hezbollah will make the first move, driven by the killing of its top commander in Beirut in an Israeli attack. Iran is expected to join the attack, with significantly more power than the attack in April. Hezbollah’s improvised drones and missiles pose a serious threat.
Seizing this opportunity, Iran aims to target critical Israeli locations with its powerful missiles. Israel's Defense Minister also suspects that the upcoming Hezbollah attack will be more dangerous than its precedents.
